Neutering...Or Not?

I've been receiving lots of questions about neutering and whether its a good idea, so I'm just going to give you the facts here, and it would be great to gather some opinions from you, so please get in touch.

Neutering - The Definitions

Spaying (Female) - (ovario-hysterectomy) is the surgical removal of her reproductive organs (ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes)

Castration (Male) - (orchectomy) is the surgical removal of the reproductive glands (testicles) of the male animal. The outer sac remains, and the animal's appearance afterwards will depend on his age at the time of the surgery.

Let's Start with Cats and Dogs:

Male & female dogs and cats mature quickly. They are often
able to reproduce when they are as young as 6 months of
age, with bitches coming into season every six months for
the rest of their lives.

Neutering - The Benefits

Neutered animals tend not to roam to look for a mate.

In males, castration reduces the chances of developing diseases of the prostate and prevents testicular cancer.

It also reduces behavioural problems like aggression, urine spraying (and bonking the cushions!).

In females, spaying decreases the incidence of mammary (breast) cancer, especially if the animal is spayed before her first season (my preference).

It also prevents a very serious and often fatal infection of the uterus experienced by many mature unspayed animals (pyometra).

Spaying also helps with behavioural problems caused by hormonal changes when females come into season.

Some owners prefer to wait until after the first heat as the animal's organs have a chance to mature. However, each time she comes into season she's at greater risk from cancer, so unless she's to have puppies/kittens, my advice
is to spay early!

Female cats will continuously come into season from spring to autumn until mated and then will mate again as soon as their kittens are born.

Now For Small Pets:
Neutering is usually carried out under general anaesthesia and this can pose a risk to small pets.

The best sources of information for owners of small pets are species specific websites. These website discuss the benefits and disadvantages of neutering your small pet in much more detail than I can provide here. Follow the links
for advice:

Ferrets

Rabbits

Guinea Pigs

The simple fact is that spaying and neutering greatly increases the lifespan of your pet and increases quality of life as well!

Note: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the statements made are accurate no responsibility can be taken by the author for the interpretation of the points made or for the success or failure of any of these procedures. If you are considering neutering please discuss it with a qualified veterinary surgeon who will undertake the operation on your instructions.